collective bargaining

noun

: negotiation between an employer and a labor union usually on wages, hours, and working conditions

Examples of collective bargaining in a Sentence

The next round of collective bargaining is scheduled for September.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Perhaps teams were banking on the league's 2017 collective bargaining agreement containing an amnesty clause, which would allow teams to wipe one contract off their cap sheet. — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The Ducks have seven days to exercise their right of first refusal on the player, per the NHL collective bargaining agreement. — Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Part of the focus has been on providing training sessions in Chinese as well, including on freedom of association and collective bargaining. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 23 June 2026 Antetokounmpo’s salary is expected to stay about the same—the max permitted by the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for collective bargaining

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of collective bargaining was in 1889

Browse Nearby Words

collective agreement
collective bargaining
collective behavior
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Collective bargaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collective%20bargaining. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

collective bargaining

noun
: discussion between an employer and union representatives over wages, hours, and working conditions

Legal Definition

collective bargaining

noun
: negotiation between an employer and a labor union usually on wages, benefits, hours, and working conditions see also bargaining agent at agent, bargaining unit, Labor Management Relations Act

More from Merriam-Webster on collective bargaining

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about collective bargaining

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